Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer onboard examines the serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of cheap key cutting that's difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires can start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart spare key cutting Fobs

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your car.

If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key cutting price, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.